POST-GE15 DAY 5 | Anwar answers burning question: Public holiday on Monday

POST-GE15 DAY 5 | The search for Malaysia's prime minister continues while Istana Negara tries to encourage political parties to form a unity government.

Malaysiakini brings you snippets of key events as the day unfolds.

Anwar answers burning question: Public holiday on Monday

9.30pm: Sungai Long Golf Club, Selangor - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announces that Monday (Nov 28) will be a public holiday.

“I have decided that tomorrow will not be a holiday, but it will be replaced Monday.

“I have discussed this with the government chief secretary and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong because I have promised to give a holiday on Monday (on Nov 20 after the election), but on Monday, the transition of government had yet to be settled.

“It has just been settled today, praise be to Allah, and I will deliver on my promise that it is shifted to next week’s Monday,” he says.

Mukhriz hopes new govt restores country

8.56pm: Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir congratulates newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In a statement, he expressed hope that the new government will bring political stability to the country.

"The rakyat is surely hoping for a country that focuses on the economic crisis that is expected to worsen next year, cost of goods that burden the rakyat, the Covid-19 pandemic that still threatens lives, and many other issues that plague the country. 

"Pejuang hopes that the 15th government term under Anwar's leadership will bring Malaysia our of this turbulence and restore the country, at the same time putting it on the right track," he says.

Anwar takes phone call from Turkish president

9.10pm: Sungai Long Golf Club, Selangor - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim walks into the press conference venue at the clubhouse here but stops to take a phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before he could begin.

A male voice and a female translator can be heard, as Anwar takes the call while still live on television.

Earlier, he is understood to have received a congratulatory phone call from Indonesian President Joko Widodo before the press conference.

Harapan govt has no moral legitimacy - Faizal

9pm: Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu claims Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim's new government has no moral legitimacy as he did not gain support from the majority of Malaysians but through a political arrangement with BN.

"Anwar promised the rakyat during campaigning that he would not join with BN that is involved in scandals and corruption. 

"This is different from (Perikatan Nasional chairperson) Muhyiddin Yassin who refused to deal with Zahid or drop the corruption charges against him (Zahid) if he (Muhyiddin) held the position of prime minister," Faizal says in a statement. 

Faizal adds that Anwar failed to fulfil the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's order for a unity government. 

"The newly formed government with Anwar as PM is not a unity government. This is because the political coalition that represents the Malays, which is PN, is not part of this Harapan-BN government which is dominated by DAP which is the largest party in the new government with 40 seats," he says.

Speaker to discuss date of 15th Parliament session with PM

8.30pm: Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said he will discuss the opening date of the 15th Parliament session with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim soon.

He said he expected the first session of Parliament after the formation of the new government to be held next month.

"I think the main concern now is for the tabling of the Mini Budget to ensure the country's operations for January 2023 runs smoothly, so it (the sitting) needs to be held before the new year," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after Anwar took the oath of office as the 10th prime minister at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur today.

Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was reported to have said that a special Parliament session needed to be held to table a budget so as to pay the salary of civil servants before Dec 31.

Budget 2023 was tabled on Oct 7 by the then finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz with a total allocation of RM372.3 billion. Parliament was dissolved three days later (Oct 10) to make way for the 15th general election.

8.05pm: PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil announces a slight delay before Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first press conference.

Awaiting Anwar's first press conference as PM

7.22pm: Sungai Long Golf Club, Selangor - All eyes are on newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first press conference scheduled for 8pm today at the clubhouse of the Sungai Long Golf Club in Selangor where media and supporters are gathering.

Anwar arrived here earlier after his official swearing-in ceremony at Istana Negara.

All around the hall, excited chatter can be heard of the appointment long-awaited for by supporters of the Pakatan Harapan chairperson.

In one corner, white cloths are laid on a carpet as a makeshift male prayer area, for those with no time to leave for the nearest prayer room.

Anwar leaves Palace after swearing in as PM

6.36pm: Kuala Lumpur - Anwar Ibrahim leaves the palace in a motorcade, over an hour after his swearing-in ceremony. 

The newly appointed prime minister is all smiles upon his exit, waving to the press, as trumpets play in the background.

It is believed that he is heading to the Sungai Long Club House for his first press conference as prime minister.

GPS to obey Agong’s decree, to join Anwar’s govt

6pm: GPS will be joining the unity government that will be led by newly minted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as per the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree. 

Its chief Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak-based ruling coalition abides by the Agong’s decree, saying His Majesty wants a strong and stable government.

“The Agong advised us to form a unity government to overcome the political impasse. 

“We obey the constitutional monarchy and the National Principles clearly states that we must obey the king, even though we don’t have a king in Sarawak,” he told a presser today.

Abang Johari, who is also Sarawak premier, said he accepts DAP’s apologies, which were earlier conveyed by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and chairperson Lim Guan Eng, with an open heart.  

Umno division leaders support Zahid, chide MCA and MIC

5.05pm: A group of 90 Umno division chiefs from across the country hold a press conference to show solidarity for party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following calls by MCA and MIC for him to step down as BN chairperson.

The group’s spokesperson Mohd Shafie Abdullah, who is Wangsa Maju Umno division chief, claims that a total of 130 division chiefs had vowed to support Zahid.

They also urge others who had either turned their backs on Zahid or unsure of where to go, to "come back and unite" with all of them to make the party strong again.

They also chide MCA and MIC for calling for Zahid to step down.

"We had helped carry them around for decades, they even won at Malay majority seats.

"But when we are in critical condition, they turn their backs on us," says Shafie.

Scouts Federation denies link to Muhyiddin’s scout outfit picture

4.55pm: The Scouts Federation of Malaysia denies releasing a poster with an image of Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin wearing a scouts uniform.

The poster also carries a congratulatory message over Muhyiddin's supposed appointment as Pengakap Malaysia (PM), also the initials for prime minister.

"The image has nothing to do with the Scouts Federation of Malaysia and was done without our knowledge.

"The federation will not hesitate to take action against individuals found responsible," it says.

No victory celebrations, Loke tells DAP members

4.35pm: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke instructs all levels of his party leadership not to organise any form of celebration or vehicle convoy event as Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is about to be sworn in as prime minister.

"We call on all parties to remain calm and respect the decision made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Council of Rulers. The government that will be established is a unity government that includes various coalitions of political parties.

"We need to work together and unite in helping the prime minister steer the country out of the crisis it is facing," says Loke who just touched down from Kuching and is on his way to the Istana Negara for the swearing-in ceremony.

Anwar arrives at palace, waves to media

4.32pm: Prime minister-designate Anwar Ibrahim arrives at Istana Negara in a motorcade.

He waves to the media upon his arrival.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at 5pm.

Meanwhile, at another palace gate, Harapan supporters wave and cheer as Zahid passes. He is all smiles and waves back.

The supporters are now singing the national anthem “Negaraku”. This is followed by chants of “Reformasi” and “Malaysia Boleh”.

Zahid leaves for Istana Negara

4.10pm: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi leaves for Istana Negara to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country's 10th prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

After attending a closed-door meeting with some 100 Umno division leaders at a cafe near the party headquarters, Zahid, who is clad in a full baju Melayu suit, is sent off to his car by the division chiefs.

Zahid, however, declines requests for comments except for confirming that he is going to the palace.

He and the crowd of Umno leaders are seen to be in a very good mood, believed to be connected to the palace’s announcement of appointing Anwar as the premier.

Police escort takes Anwar to palace

4.00pm: Police escort, in about 10 cars, arrive at Anwar’s residence to take him to Istana Negara, with witnesses of more than 100 people.

The motorcade leaves at 4pm, with Anwar in his BMW car plate number “BEM 1”.

He waves to supporters and the media when leaving.

‘GPS likely to be part of Anwar’s administration’

3.30pm: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leader Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah welcomes the appointment of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as the next prime minister, saying that his coalition is likely to be part of the new administration.

“I’m happy the impasse has come to an end. I hope the new government will be fair to all, including Sabah and Sarawak. GPS will give its full cooperation to the new government," he was reported as saying by Free Malaysia Today.

Anwar is expected to be sworn in as prime minister before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 5pm.

Embattled Zahid arrives to meet Umno division chiefs

3.45pm: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrives at the Riverside Cafe, WTC for a meeting with Umno division chiefs.

It was learned that the meeting is held to discuss recent calls by BN component parties for Zahid to resign as its chairperson.

According to Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos, over 100 division leaders are attending the meeting.

Respect the law, police tell supporters

3.15pm: As Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to be sworn in as the country's 10th prime minister this evening, police urge all political party supporters to respect the law to ensure the ceremony can run smoothly.

Brickfields district police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor also warns the public against doing anything provocative, including touching on racial and religious sentiments.

He says the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who commits such an offence.

‘MIC and MCA chiefs should quit - not Zahid’

2.45pm: Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos lambasts MCA and MIC presidents over the BN component parties' call for BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign.

He tells reporters that the ones who should resign are the presidents of MCA and MIC, instead of Zahid.

"They are the ones who should resign, not Umno president," he says.

Jamal is at the Umno headquarters for a meeting with other party division leaders to show solidarity with Zahid and express their regrets over MCA and MIC statements.

Supporters arrive at Anwar’s home

2.30pm: Supporters are seen gathering around Anwar’s residence to witness his departure to Istana Negara to be sworn in as 10th PM, while some organise a small parade around the neighbourhood with a Harapan flag.

According to the police officers stationed at the site, the police escort is yet to arrive to take the incoming PM to the palace.

Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah just arrived as well.

Zahid: Let us rebuild M’sia for future generations

2.10pm: In a Facebook post, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi thanks a group of his supporters for expressing their solidarity with him in a press conference earlier today.

This comes amid calls from within BN to remove him as the chairperson.

“Remain calm and let us rebuild Malaysia for the sake of all races and religions. For the sake of our grandchildren and future generations.

“We uphold the decree from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a unity government,” Zahid says.

He urges people not to rebel against the decision even if they dislike it or are disappointed about it.

PKR supporters recite prayer of gratitude at Anwar’s office

2.05pm: Petaling Jaya, Selangor - A group of PKR supporters emerges out of Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim’s office in Bukit Gasing to recite a prayer of gratitude following the official announcement of his appointment as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.

The group also chants the “Reformasi” cry that now symbolises their victory.

Media members await confirmation if Anwar will make a stop at his office while en route to Istana Negara from his home in Kajang.

Among those seen include PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim, PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Siddek, and former PKR Senator Yusmadi Yusoff.

Stay calm, tread with caution - Rafizi tells supporters

2pm: PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli urges all supporters to remain calm and not to gather to celebrate the announcement of party chief Anwar Ibrahim as PM. 

He urges all Harapan leaders and supporters to avoid any gathering so as to not cause inadvertent provocation and to treat all statements made by politicians with caution. 

“Be careful with messages circulated by social media or messaging applications, which could cause concern, and could be used as an excuse to cause provocation. 

“We must all move forward and learn to work together to rebuild Malaysia for the future and prosperity of all Malaysians, of all ethnicity, state, and backgrounds,” he says on social media.

Agong has decided on 10th PM

1.33pm: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has made a decision, Anwar Ibrahim will be sworn in as Malaysia's 10th prime minister.

This follows a meeting with the Conference of Rulers.

READ MORE: Anwar is Malaysia's 10th PM

Jubilation at Anwar’s office after PM appointment

1.32pm: Petaling Jaya, Selangor - Excitement is in the air at Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim’s office in Bukit Gasing amid an end to the wait for Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.

This is as Istana Negara releases an official statement announcing Anwar’s appointment.

Cheers are heard and seen within the mansion grounds, where former PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin and Wanita PKR vice-chief Sangetha Jayakumar, among other supporters, are seen.

More media personnel are arriving and many are seen preparing for a live broadcast of the breaking news.

Conference of Rulers adjourns

1pm: The Conference of Rulers has adjourned and all the remaining Malay rulers have left Istana Negara, except for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

It is understood that a decision on the next prime minister has been made and a statement will be released soon.

In an about turn, PN now open to ‘consider’ unity govt proposal

12.55pm: PN is starting to walk back on its rejection of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s suggestion to form a unity government.

In a brief statement, PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin says the coalition’s supreme council agreed today to “consider” the proposal to form a unity government with “like-minded” parties.

He says this is for the people’s well-being and national stability.

Johor and Negeri Sembilan Rulers leave Istana Negara

12.30pm: Two of the Malay Rulers, Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Negeri Sembilan's Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir left Istana Negara at about 12pm.

However, none of the other Rulers have left.

It is unclear whether the Conference of Rulers meeting has concluded, if they are breaking for lunch, or if the Rulers of Johor and Negeri Sembilan had to leave early.

Umno members hold demo in support of Zahid

12.15pm: A group of some 50 Umno members hold a demonstration in front of the party headquarters to voice support for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - urging him not to step down from his party and coalition posts.

This comes amid calls by BN component parties for Zahid to resign.

The spokesperson for the group, Ramalan Yunus says the party needs Zahid and refutes claims that BN has lost the election.

He also calls for the rakyat to support the Agong’s wish to have a unity government formed.

GRS echoes GPS’ stand on following Agong’s directions

12.10pm: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) - which has six seats - says it agrees with GPS to abide by any decision made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the formation of the next government.

GRS chief Hajiji Noor - who is also Sabah chief minister - says a unity government must be inclusive.

This appears to signal that GRS - which consists primarily of Bersatu and is viewed as PN's Sabah arm - may be willing to support a Harapan-led unity government instead.

Guan Eng also apologises to GPS, Abang Jo

11.50am: DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng has also issued an apology to Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and the GPS government over his past remarks.

“The future of the country is more important. Let us make a fresh start to cooperate together to preserve the diversity, inclusiveness and unity of our multi-racial and multi-cultural society as well as protect our Federal Constitution for the benefit of all in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak," he says in a brief Facebook post.

In 2019, Lim as finance minister claimed that Sarawak would go bankrupt in three years if GPS continued to rule the state.

READ MORE: DAP apologises to Abang Jo for any hurt caused in Sarawak

Prolonged political impasse can impact economy - Umno leader

11.45am: Umno supreme council member Johari Abdul Ghani says the political stalemate, if prolonged, could have an irreversible impact on the economy.

He says in his mind, this matter should have been resolved by Monday (Nov 21), but the persistent delay is signalling to investors that Malaysia is unstable, and could lead to the exodus of investments.

He urges all parties to make sacrifices, put aside ideological differences and form a government immediately to stem further economic impact.

"The economy is not like a car where you can shift gears from reverse to drive just like that. Once it goes backwards, we will need 200 percent effort to get it to grow again," he says in an interview with Buletin FM this morning.

"It doesn't matter who is leading. If we cannot lead, then we wait another five years and we fight (in the election) again.

"What's more important is stability. If we prolong this, the damage will be worse than having to fight again (in the next election)," he says, urging leaders to prioritise the rakyat's economic future.

Eight Malay Rulers at Istana Negara except Kelantan monarch

11.30am: Eight out of nine Malay rulers have arrived at Istana Negara - the exception being Kelantan's Sultan Muhammad V.

It is unclear whether the Kelantan monarch will be taking part in today's Conference of Rulers.

Umno’s decision shows new govt will come soon - Johari Abdul

11.25pm: Former Kedah PKR chief Johari Abdul says the decision made by Umno's supreme council last night to back a unity government not led by Perikatan Nasional is the clearest sign yet on formation of the new government.

"It's a sign that we (Harapan) can work with any parties except PN," Johari tells reporters as he arrives at Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim's office in Bukit Gasing.

"Today, I'm just meeting friends for our next action," he says.

The Gurun assemblyperson notes how there are already preparations to be made for the Kedah state election due next year.

Outside the mansion that serves as Anwar's office, more media personnel gather to wait for any developments regarding the appointment of the next prime minister.

Snacks are distributed as many anticipate a long wait.

Police arrest Parti Bumi Kenyalang president and 3 others

11.15am: Police have arrested Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan and three others last night over a protest against PAS in Sarawak.

According to Dayak Daily, police picked up the four last night, before taking them to the Kuching Magistrate Court this morning to apply for remand.

The report says that they are being investigated under Section 117 of the Penal Code, which stipulates the offence of "abetting the commission of an offence by the public, or by more than 10 persons".

They were allegedly involved in a convoy protest carrying banners saying 'Say No To PAS'.

Loke apologises for any hurt DAP caused in Sarawak

10.50am: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke meets with Sarawak premier cum GPS chief Abang Johari Openg.

In a statement, Loke says that he apologises on behalf of DAP over any statement made by party leaders which had offended the Sarawak government and its people in the past.

"I hope this meeting opens a new chapter to build consensus and cooperation for a Malaysia that is more developed and progressive," he adds.

DAP is often perceived as a major thorn in GPS' side, and a key obstacle to their cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.

Expectations are high that GPS will also back a Harapan-led unity government, in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice.

Be patient ‘comrade’ Khairy, Zahid says

10.30am: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi advises Khairy Jamaluddin to wait for the upcoming party elections.

"Party positions can be contested by anyone, be patient comrade Khairy," he says in a reply last night to a Facebook post by the latter.

In the post - published Tuesday - Khairy says Zahid has no moral authority to take part in talks to form a government.

Khairy aspires to become the Umno president someday.

Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi says MCA and MIC must accept the fact that BN will not join PN, and will back a "unity government", as in Perak and Pahang, he says.

Malay Rulers arrive for a meeting at Istana Negara

10am: The Malay rulers are starting to arrive at Istana Negara for the Conference of Rulers meeting.

Malay Mail reports that Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar is the first to arrive at about 9.40am.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had summoned the conference in order to get their advice on whom to appoint as prime minister after two days of meetings with politicians.

Hadi: We're still in the lead

9.00am: PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang claims that Perikatan Nasional is still "in the lead".

"Stay calm. We are working on it. We are in the lead. They (our rivals) are making plans. Allah is also planning. We are on the right side of history.

"God willing, we will prevail. The country will prevail," wrote Hadi on his Facebook page this morning.

Two days ago, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said he has the support of 115 MPs to form a government. PN is also not agreeable to having a "unity government".

PAS supporters wing: PN is multi-ethnic

8.45am: PAS' supporters’ wing head N Balasubramaniam says Perikatan Nasional has shown that they have a multiethnic outlook because it has plenty of non-Muslim and non-Malay electoral candidates from Bersatu, Gerakan, Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star).

"This is proof that PN is not a coalition that is taking care of the interest of one race only, unlike what was being portrayed by others.

"The PAS supporters' wing urges everyone to help unite (the nation) and not use this opportunity to cause divisions," he says on his Facebook page.

Meanwhile, The Vibes is reporting that Anglican Bishop of Kuching Danald Jute hopes that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) does not form a new federal government with PN.

"My position is, extremists cannot be allowed – let alone be encouraged and supported – to normalise their hatred of other races and people of other faiths.

"We cannot allow politicians to further divide us because harmony does not come naturally," says Jute.

Will BN top brass meet today?

8.30am: Good morning everyone! Another exciting day awaits.

Currently, it is uncertain what time BN's supreme council will be meeting, if at all.

Yesterday, three BN leaders demanded Ahmad Zahid Hamidi step down as the coalition chairperson

What we do know is that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers will meet at 10.30am.

It also looks like the press is no longer camping outside the gates to Anwar Ibrahim's neighbourhood in Kajang, Selangor.

POST-GE15 DAY 4 | Umno powwow continues over four hours

POST-GE15 DAY 3 | BN leaders affirm neutrality, want royal audience delayed

POST-GE15 DAY 2 | Anwar reaches out to GPS, offers alliance

POST-GE15 DAY 1 | 'An MP’s right to support anyone as PM candidate'